Tag: eyelash extensions

While I’m still pondering the thought of whether I’ll change my name when I get married I thought it was time for a new name for something else. My blog (!)

It’s official, I’ve gone full Taylor Swift and I’ve decided to take the plunge and change the name of my blog, Instagram and anywhere else you will find me. It’s taken a while but I just don’t feel that The Little Lash Room really encompasses everything I do now. By no means am I a high flying blogger, in fact I don’t even like calling myself a blogger, I’m only just trying it on for size. If you’re lucky you’ll get 1 blog a week and lots of Instagram pictures of my home, flowers and Piper the pup. Rarely will you find a picture of my eyelash work, pictures from Pinterest of Beyonce crying because she can’t get an eyelash appointment or why I think you have to come to me because you’ll look fabuLASH when you leave. The reason for the change is exactly that, I’m a fraud, when you visit the little lash rooms social media pages you won’t have a reference point, you girls are fab at putting your trust in me. And as most of you girls know, if you’ve been to me, we talk way more about life and love than eyelashes themselves.

Don’t get me wrong I love lashing and I absolutely love all my clients who have supported me over the last 2 and a bit years. This is by no means a sob story that I’m no longer doing lashes, I’m definitely still going to be working every night and weekend. If anything I’m just much more than lashing now, eyelash extensions do not define me, I’m sharing things about my life as they happen, no different to anyone else I guess.

So the new name Strand & Stripes, where did it come from. I’m still keeping a bit of eyelash love there as many of you know each extension will be added to an individual eyelash hair strand. This is the only technique I use as it’s the safest and allows for nature fall out and growth with no damage to your natural lashes. And of course for anyone who has followed me for a while you will know that I’m fond of a breton or two or three or four…. It’s as simple as that.

So there you have it. A change is as good as a rest so there seems to be no better time than the present to take the plunge.

So today I’m celebrating the Little Lash Room turning 2, yes 2! The first year was filled with twists and turns and I learnt so much along the way. I suppose this year I feel like I’ve got my sh*t together and let’s face it, things come better in twos.

Why lashing?

This is without a shadow of doubt the most frequently asked question. When girls first uncover that lashing is not my full time job they are immediately inquisitive, and understandably so. A couple of years ago I wanted to do something just for myself, prove to myself that I can do just about anything I set my mind to. I had just finished my masters degree which I had been studying part time for 3 years so I had a lot more time on my hands so couldn’t just sit down. I had been getting eyelash extensions for a while and became obsessed with them, never having them off. I wasn’t happy in my last job and really that was the push to make me go for it, something new. I took the plunge. I went for the training and quickly became addicted to my new craft. Looking back now, I needed a lot of practice but I was content with my progress. It took a long time but I pushed myself. Fast forward 2 years and I’m fully booked every evening forweeks and months in advance and couldn’t be more delighted with what we have achieved.

Sometimes I think it’s just me doing it on my own, but really it isn’t. There are lots of people in the background. I can’t go without mentioning my friends and family who have supported me along the way, I don’t know where I would have got to with out you. The likes, shares and telling all who listen. Mummy the eternal guinea pig who will let me try out any new product on her, so I knew exactly what I was offering. Chris, the receptionist and chief tea maker, many of you will meet Chris when he answers the door to tell you that I’m running late, usually because I’ve nattered on for much longer than I should, but hey, that’s all part of the experience. I’m so grateful for each and every girl who has ever crossed my door and given me your time, you girls are my therapy and when I’m asked how I do it, my answer really is you!

I now feel like I could do just about anything. This time 2 years ago I was sitting with no likes, followers and an appointment book with a lot of empty spaces. Honestly I didn’t really know what I was doing. This is my baby and I’ve watched it grow into something way more than even my expectations.

​But there is more…Guess what, there is more than lashes, I’m no longer just the Little Lash Room. Along my journey you will have seen me reach some of my mile stones, I’ve bought a house, got engaged, planning my wedding, got a puppy and now celebrate 2 years of the Little Lash Room. Where did time go hey! Did I miss anything, probably yes, I spend very little time reflecting and look forward to whats ahead. But equally every day isn’t about milestones, some days it’s just having a good old moan about life, a walk in the park or a ginsecco with friends. Milestones are just a reference point on the road to show us how far we have come, but there is a big open road ahead and who knows where that can take us!

Looking back I can reflect on where I started and what I was and how I have evolved. I’ve become a real life adult, adulting all day long. The amazing girls I have met over the last 2 years and the friendships that have flourished! I’ve found my voice. It’s not just lashes, I’m so much more. I found my passion in so many other things than lashing and it’s honestly given me the confidence to try just about anything!

I picked myself off the sofa today and decided to do a spot of Christmas shopping, all despite the terrible weather. I hadn’t been out all weekend and although I trawled the Internet for Black Friday bargains I thought I would be best for me to immerse myself in the madness.

When Christmas shopping I got side tracked in the stationary aisle and I have to say TK Maxx is winning at the moment. They have the most gorgeous range of note books and diaries for 2016.

Plus for all of my organised girls out there, I got a gorgeous FiloFax for my appointments next year and I’m just in love with it. It was half the price of what I would have paid from FiloFax, and at only £12.99 I think it was the best bargain I got today.

Last weekend I was travelling and when I’m travelling, especially with only hand luggage, I try to pack as efficiently as possible.

When it comes to make up especially with the small clear bags being very limited bring an entire make up collection is next to impossible. To be sure that my make up looks are different and depending on my mood I can change them accordingly.

I wear the same make up every day to work so when I have a bit more time on my hands I love to spend more time and enjoy the process! Switching up your make up look is so important to be sure that’s its fresh and you have a different look for outside of the mundane Monday – Friday routine.

How I achieve these different looks is with different lipsticks, and trusty MAC comes to mind.

The Red

I have always been a fan of a red lip, and as I have got a little older I have become fonder of a matte lip. I perfect matte red is the RiRi Woo, I got this when it came out a few years ago because it was a slightly different twist on Ruby Woo, although that is still one of my favourites.

This matte lipstick is long wearing and is a great coverage, I would definitely recommend making sure your lips are well moisturised before application. If you have dry lips, apply some of your favourite lip balm while you’re applying the rest of your make up, before you apply your lippie take a cotton swab and remove whats left on your lip balm and this product will apply perfectly! MAC Matte Lipsticks have great staying power – so much so after a night of wearing them I really have to scrub my lips to get whats left off. Depending on the look you want to achieve, I wouldn’t recommend a lip gloss or balm over the top as it will make the product move and not have the same stay power.

The Pink

Girl about Town is a fun bright pink to lift any look, its super creamy which is why I love it. I use this in two ways, for day and night because it is quite a bright colour. For during the day I will take the colour on my finger and dab it on to the lips which is much more subtle and for night I go straight from the bullet for a more vibrant colour.

This lipstick also has a blue tone from it which makes your teeth look much whiter so you have the perfect smile!

The Nude

I do love a nude lip with a smokey eye, honestly I never wear anything else on my lips when I wear a smokey eye. I have darker lips than most people, so much so when I was in school a teacher asked me to wash my lips when I had nothing on! For such a long time I struggled to find the perfect nude that covered my dark lips but didn’t make me look like I had just plastered them in concealer or washed out. The Holy Grail of make up advice Lisa Elderidge has an amazing video on choosing the right nude for you!

MAC Cremesheen Crème Cup is perfect, I seen a few beauty blogger who had it and I knew I had to try it out. It’s the perfect coverage on the lips and really doesn’t look to cakey!

I first started using eyelashes about 10 years ago and eyelash enhancements have come a long way from there. There are so many different types, strips which are commonly used for 1 day, individual cluster lashes which can be worn for a few days and semi-permanent lashes which last between 3-4 weeks.

As a fully-fledged eyelash addict, I often get asked so many questions about semi-permanent eyelash extensions; will they hurt, do they damage my own lashes, why does the treatment take so long, will they feel heavy, will they last on holidays and in the pool and can I wear mascara? Before every client comes there should be research done to ensure your experience goes smoothly and that eyelash extensions are for you. I wish to dispel a few common myths so you can go forth and achieve the long luscious lashes you have always desired!

This is the most common myth and one that can be true but for one specific reason. A correct application will never result in lash fallout; more often it’s an issue with an inexperienced lash technician. This is usually the result of a technician pairing a single extension with 3 to 4 of your natural lashes, causing clumping and lash fallout. An experienced technician will glue one extension with one natural lash.

It’s also important to remember that your natural lashes grow in 4-6 week cycles and are prone to fallout at the end of this cycle, so the timing can also be coincidence. Be sure that your lash technician is applying one lash to one of your natural lashes with no lashes are joined together.

Eyelash Extensions Myth 2: Lash Extensions Won’t Last on Holidays

Hot and humid weather conditions actually provide the body with natural oils and nutrients that allow our lashes to hold up much better. It’s in these types of climates that lash extensions can actually simplify your beauty routine. The most popular time for lash extensions happens when women are going on holiday and are planning on wearing less makeup but still want to look polished and put together with minimum fuss. Heat and humidity is not the enemy of lash extensions! Trips into the pool won’t harm your lashes either or prompt lash loss, just avoid rubbing the lashes vigorously.

Eyelash Extensions Myth 3: Eyelash Extensions will Hurt

If they aren’t applied properly by an experienced technician, eyelash extensions can be uncomfortable. When applied properly you shouldn’t feel them at all. If you feel any pain at all you should return to the technician to get them examined.

The most common cause for any irritation is that more than one of your natural lashes is stuck together with the lash extension causing a pinching sensation. In a proper application each lash should be visible from root to tip with no visible glue present. If you have more than a slight pinching sensation this may mean that large clumps of your natural lashes have been glued together with the extensions, a very painful experience! I would highly recommend visiting to a more reputable lash technician who will remove your lashes and advise you of your eyelash condition. It is very important to remember that the cheapest lash technician may not necessarily be the best!

Eyelash Extensions Myth 4: They Take Forever To Be Applied and I Don’t Have Time

Although it can seem like a long time, a full set of lashes takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and infills will take about 1 hour depending on how many lashes need to be infilled and your lash cycle. It’s important to note that this treatment is relaxing, it won’t hurt and often clients fall asleep during the treatment. One factor that can be taken into account is if the client is talking, although it’s nice to have a chat while getting lashes done, animated talking makes your eyes flutter which means that it takes a longer to isolate and place the lashes so if your lash technician stops talking to you don’t be offended they are merely trying to help you relax which will settle your eyes.

I have heard so many times that someone else did semi-permanent eyelashes in about 15 minutes, I cannot stress enough that these are NOT semi-permanent lashes and these WILL damage your lashes because they are just placed on top of your lashes like individual cluster lashes meaning that one lash is attached to several of your natural lashes.

Eyelash Extensions Myth 5: DIY Lash Extensions

In theory this would be great, and one of the most frequent questions I get asked, I would love it if I could do my own lashes myself; I struggle to find time for my own appointments. This requires a high level of patience and a very steady hand, including trying to balance a lash extension, isolate one lash, dip in to glue and all with one eye open and the other closed. Sit back, relax and let an experienced professional take care of your gorgeous lashes!

Eyelash Extension Myth 6: I wear Mascara can I wear that with Eyelash Extensions

As each of your own eyelashes will have an extension which is black and coated in black glue, mascara is not necessary to wear and I personally recommend not wearing mascara when you have extensions on. It contains oil and especially if it is waterproof mascara then it will be much more difficult to remove, and if lashes are rubbed vigorously this can cause damage, fall out and even making them a little sore if they are twisted when they are being rubbed.

The good news is that there are water based mascaras that can be used with eyelash extensions that won’t damage or hurt your natural lashes.

Today seems an appropriate day to write about my lash addiction. As many people in the UK are receiving their A-Level results, I too was in their shoes 7 years ago. I remember it like it was yesterday; thankfully everything worked out and I began a voyage of discovery through university.

For many of the 18 year old girls getting their results today, they are already make-up artists in their own right. However at 18, I was not, reminisce to a time that Urban Decays colourful palettes ruled the beauty world and contouring/highlighting was unheard of. I was putting these trends to the test with different shades of purple, pinks and the odd blue with an extensive amount of glitter that were being packed on to my eyelids and a blending brush didn’t get a look in.

The reason I thought back this morning was because eyelashes were becoming a trend, they were the new thing and I was addicted. I spent more time trying to place strips onto my lash line than perhaps I did studying. YouTube was becoming so popular and never before seen make-up tutorials were becoming more prominent, recreating celebrity looks and offering their know-how on all things beauty. I would spend hours recreating these looks so much so that I was always the last one to get ready for a night out.

Whilst at university I began working for Benefit Cosmetics and I loved it, it was an amazing time to be part of the beauty industry that valued the thoughts and opinions of the people using the products through blogs and magazines. I was putting on eyelashes every day, it became as much of my routine as putting on mascara.

After university, I left Benefit and got what the university would class as a ‘real job’. As much as I have enjoyed my career to date, I still had a yearning to get back to the beauty industry. In June last year, before heading to a wedding in Portugal I got semi-permanent lashes on, I have been addicted ever since. I still have a large box of lashes which I always kept stocked up…just in case! Before getting the treatment I researched it as I was initially apprehensive which I appreciate everyone is. I became so interested in it that I did the course myself and now am carrying out the treatment for girls across Northern Ireland.

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